The All Island Private Bus Owners Federation said, they will engage in an island-wide strike on Monday if authorities fail to increase bus fares today in accordance with the National Bus Fares Policy.
Secretary of the Federation Anjana Priyanjith said all bus associations in the island are expected to join the strike. He further said the bus industry is deteriorating as bus fares have not been revised for several years.
However, Deputy Minister of Transport Asoka Abeysinghe said bus fares will not be revised today. Deputy Minister, Abeysinghe said a decision will be arrived at following discussions with private bus associations over the next two months.
He said if the need arises, bus fares must be revised in a manner that will not hinder the public. Deputy Minister Abeysinghe said bus operators were demanding a revision in bus fares despite reduced fuel prices, citing price hikes in spare parts.
The Deputy Minister said such claims must be investigated over a period of time. The Ministry earlier announced bus fares would be revised from the 30th of July.
However, Deputy Minister Asoka Abeysinghe said the Minister of Transport issued directives to investigate the matter over a period of three months in order to arrive at a suitable solution.
The Deputy Minister of Transport added he urged bus owners to present their concerns to the Ministry following which authorities will decide on the revision of bus fares.
